DULUTH, MN. (Northern News Now) – Great Lakes cruises sailing through the Port of Duluth have had a significant economic impact.
According to DECC officials, 2023 cruise passenger spending in Duluth had a direct economic impact of nearly $600,000.
The spending will support stores, restaurants, transportation providers, tour operators and other small businesses in the city and other stops around the Great Lakes.
In 2023, over 4,000 passengers visited Duluth aboard four cruise ships, including the Ocean Navigator, Octantis, Polaris and Hanseatic Inspiration.
Regionally, nearly 25,000 passengers visited 800 Great Lakes ports in 2023, an increase of more than 20% from the previous year.
“It’s great to see so many people from all over the country and world coming to our community,” said Dan Hartman, executive director of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. “The lion’s share of these guests wouldn’t otherwise come to our community, and now they know this great place we call Duluth.”
“Cruise the Great Lakes remains committed to promoting the remarkable cruise experiences in our region,” said Anna Tanski, Tourism Director of Cruise the Great Lakes. “Year-over-year growth in passengers, port visits, shore-based spending and increasing Great Lakes cruise awards reflect the region’s growing popularity as a travel destination.”
Cruise the Great Lakes is a forum that brings together states, provinces, cruise lines, ports and conventions with visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, associations and others to work toward common goals.
More information about cruising the Great Lakes can be found here.
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